English
What is the difference between since and for?
PR
Pro User
May 2, 2026

1 Answer
PR
Pro User @hvvjh
May 2, 2026
“Since” and “for” are both used to talk about time, especially with the present perfect tense, but they are used in different ways.
We use “since” when we talk about a starting point in time
It shows when something began.
Examples:
I have lived here since 2015
She has been sick since Monday
We have known each other since childhood
We use “for” when we talk about a duration (how long something lasts)
Examples:
I have lived here for 10 years
She has been sick for 3 days
We have known each other for a long time
Easy way to remember
Since = starting point (specific time)
For = length of time (how long)
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